Fakhar Zaman was just seven runs short off scoring a double-century against South Africa when a run out sent the batsman back to pavilion in the second one-day international (ODI) at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.
The dismissal was gut-wrenching for Pakistani fans as it happened at a crucial stage when the visiting team’s hopes of a win relied entirely on the batsman.
However, the reaction of the fans was intensified after TV replays showed that the dismissal was a result of, in fact, a deliberate ‘fake fielding’ attempt by the Proteas wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock.
Fakhar, who was dismissed off a direct hit from Aiden Markram at long off, had slowed down his running after de Kock had pointed for the ball to be thrown towards the other batsman’s end.
Read: Fakhar Zaman misses out on double ton as Pakistan lose 2nd ODI
According to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) laws and regulations, no willful and deliberate deception and distraction is allowed.
The incident led to many fans, commentators and celebrities including Shoaib Akhtar, Momina Mustehsan, Alan Wilkins and Sherfane Rutherford into feeling disappointed. They voiced their concerns and questioned umpire’s failure into identifying the violation.
Check their reaction below:
Read: Fakhar Zaman's 193 in stats and numbers
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